Hair extension assembly

ABSTRACT

A hair extension assembly as described includes at least one hair extension, a hair fastener, and at least one hair extension connector. The hair fastener engages the wearer&#39;s hair, and the at least one hair extension is indirectly connected to the hair fastener via a hair extension connector, such as a thin flexible loop made of thread, string, wire, ribbon, or fiber. When applied, the thin connector is the only material necessarily within the fastener next to the wearer&#39;s hair and the connector separates the hair extension strands from the fastener. The hair extension assembly is quickly and easily applied to provide a customizable, free-flowing, and natural appearance that is comfortable, less bulky and easy to maintain and shampoo.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to hair extensions, and morespecifically, to a hair extension assembly in which one or more hairextensions, each comprising a plurality of hair strands, are secured toa hair extension connector that is movably coupled to a hair fastener.

BACKGROUND

Hair extensions are a well known and popular product for increasing thelength and/or fullness of a person's hair while blending in andintegrating with the hair of the wearer. Extensions allow the wearer totailor the appearance of their hair by typically adding multipleextensions with selected length(s) and color(s) to achieve a desiredlook. Known hair extensions can be weaved, glued/adhered, clipped ontoor crimped into a wearer's actual hair. Hair extensions may comprise agroup of hair extension strands that are glued at one end to form a tip.One long-lasting technique of applying hair extensions involvesthreading a section of a person's actual hair through a deformablefastening ring, placing the tip of a hair extension into the fasteningring and then crimping the ring, thereby fixedly securing both the hairextension strands and the person's actual hair within the crimped ring.Crimped hair extensions provide a secure and integrated engagement withthe wearer's actual hair that can comfortably withstand an activelifestyle, hair brushing, hair shampooing and sleeping. Once applied,the extensions can be worn for as many as one to three months.

The process of applying the extensions may involve the use of manydozens of hair extensions and fastening rings in order to give thewearer's hair a full, natural and symmetrical appearance. This is atime-consuming and costly process involving the repetitive handling ofmultiple components such as the small fastening rings, the hairextension and the crimping tool. The number of fastening rings isgenerally determined by the style desired and the amount of fullness andlength to be added to the wearer's actual hair.

In general, it is desirable to reduce the number of connecting rings toreduce the application time, maximize comfort and to achieve a naturalappearance. However, because both the wearer's hair and the extensionare threaded through each ring, the amount of hair extension strandsapplied within the ring is generally limited by the size of thefastening ring. Use of larger rings could reduce the number of ringsnecessary, but the size of the rings is limited by factors such as theweight of the extension, obtrusiveness of the ring through the wearer'sactual hair, and comfort. Comfort is critical to the longevity of use ofhair extensions. Concealment of the rings within the wearer's hair isalso critically important, where smaller rings are less obtrusive andnoticeable. An undetectable and integrated finish is often harder toachieve with thin hair, lighter hair colors, and/or hair areas at thetop and side locations.

While crimping provides a secure engagement with less scalp and haircontact with glue/adhesives than other techniques involving directglue/adhesive application, the foregoing crimping technique does requirethe wearer's actual hair to be crimped tightly against the glue used toform the tip of the hair extension, which glue can damage the actualhair over time. The wearer's actual hair strands may become integratedinto the glue due to the pressure of the crimp and the movement of thehair against the glue during the course of wearing the hair extension innatural activities such as sleeping. Removal of the hair extension thusmay also cause tugging of the actual hair or even loss of strands ofactual hair. Hair extension techniques which can damage or pull out awearer's actual hair are particularly not desirable by those with thinor thinning hair.

Depending on the style desired, the hair type of the wearer and locationof the application of the extension, one approach that has been used incertain applications to overcome the foregoing drawbacks involves amulti-extension apparatus that comprises an elongated weft of fabricwith hair extension strands sewn into the weft along the weft's length.A plurality of connecting rings are sewn to the weft in fixed locationsat spaced intervals along the length of the weft. To apply theapparatus, the weft is placed immediately adjacent the scalp; a sectionof the wearer's actual hair is threaded through the first connectingring and crimped; and then specific sections of the wearer's actual haircorresponding to the locations of the fixed connecting rings must besequentially grasped from behind the weft and threaded through theconnecting rings and crimped. Additional multi-extension weftapparatuses and/or other hair extensions are then applied to thewearer's head to achieve the desired appearance.

While this particular technique avoids the problem of glue contactingthe wearer's actual hair and the problem of incorporating the hairextension strands within the connecting rings, it is not suitable forall applications and has other drawbacks. Wefts are not generallyrecommended for thin hair and/or light hair with specific style requests(such as where the weft would be noticeable under the hair or would addtoo much bulk and weight); wefts are also not generally suitable forapplications where variability in color, length and/or style of hairextension strands is desired. Wefts, e.g., can add weight, bulk,rigidity, discomfort and make shampooing of the hair and scalp moredifficult than the prior art application of crimping a single hairextension. While the hair extension strands are not within theconnecting rings and the amount of hair extension strands applied withinthe wearer's hair is accordingly increased for a given size ofconnecting rings, the weft adds the bulk of the weft material and thebulk of the excess hair which is folded over for the purpose of sewingthe hair to the weft. The application of the weft also requires specificsections of hair in precise locations behind the weft to be grasped forthreading based on the close attachment of the weft against the scalpand the fixed relationship of the location of its connecting rings.Thus, a need continues for a hair extension assembly that addresses theforegoing issues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 a is a side elevational view of a first embodiment of a hairextension assembly with two hair extensions shown in a firstconfiguration;

FIG. 1 b is a cross-sectional view of a hair extension connector of FIG.1 a taken along the line b-b;

FIG. 1 c is a cross-sectional of a hair extension first end of FIG. 1 ataken along the line c-c;

FIG. 1 d is an alternate embodiment of the cross-section of the hairextension connector of FIG. 1 b;

FIG. 1 e is an alternate embodiment of the cross-section of the hairextension first end of FIG. 1 c;

FIG. 1 f is an alternate embodiment of a hair fastener with a hairextension connector attached to it;

FIG. 1 g is a cross-sectional view of the hair fastener of FIG. 1 ftaken along line g-g in plane P.

FIG. 2 a is a schematic view of the hair extension assembly of FIG. 1with one hair extension in a first configuration and the second hairextension removed;

FIG. 2 b is a schematic view of the hair extension assembly of FIG. 2with the hair extension in a second configuration;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the hair extension assembly of FIG.1 with the hair extensions in a second configuration;

FIG. 4 is a hair extension assembly hair fastener connected to and twohair extension connectors;

FIG. 5 is a depiction of a hair extension being applied to a hairextension connector;

FIG. 6 is a depiction of an application tool engaged with the hairextension assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a depiction of a person's hair being threaded through thefastener ring of the hair extension assembly of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 8 is a flow chart used to illustrate a method of making a hairextension assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a hair extension assembly connectingat least one hair extension to a hair fastener. The hair fastener isused to attach the assembly to a person's hair. The hair extensions aremovably attached to the hair fastener via a hair extension connector.When the assembly is applied, a small section of the person's hair isattached through the fastener, but the at least one hair extension isnot directly in contact with fastener, and instead is spaced apart fromthe inside of the fastener via a hair extension connector. Preferably, aportion of the length of the hair extension connector extends below thehair fastener and spaces the at least one hair extension below the hairfastener whereby the at least one hair extension is movably connected tothe fastener.

Referring to FIG. 1 a, an exaggerated side elevation view of a preferredembodiment of hair extension assembly 20 is depicted. Hair extensionassembly 20 comprises a hair fastener 30, and two hair extensions 22 and24. For ease of illustration, the size of hair fastener 30 has beenexaggerated relative to hair extensions 22 and 24. In the figure, hairextensions 22 and 24 are spaced apart from hair fastener 30 in adirection along and away from the lengthwise axis (z-axis). The hairextensions 22, 24 comprise a plurality of synthetic or natural hairstrands and may be provided in a variety of colors, styles and lengthsas dictated by the wearer's preferences. The hair extension strandscomprising hair extensions 22, 24 may also be provided in a number ofdifferent shape configurations, such as straight, curly, wavy, feathers,metallic, plastic, or fiber-optic. Different lengths, styles, colors andmaterials can be combined to create a style customizable for the wearer.Because different lengths, styles, colors and materials can be selectedfor different attachment locations, the stylist or wearer can customizethe look as desired. In certain implementations, the hair strands arepre-treated with a material that enhances the softness of its texture.

Hair fastener 30 is generally annular and includes a through-opening 36along its length (in the z-axis direction). Although the length/diameterratio of fastener 30 appears to be greater than 1 in the figure, noparticular ratio is required. In addition, hair fasteners having shapesother than annular may be used. However, hair fastener 30 is preferablyconfigured for attachment to a wearer's actual hair.

Hair extension connectors 32 and 34 each connect respective hairextensions 22 and 24 to hair fastener 30. In certain implementations,hair extension connectors 32 and 34 are thin loops. In the example ofFIGS. 1 a and 2 a-2 b, the hair extension connectors 32 and 34 eachencircle the length (but not the perimeter) of the hair fastener 30 froma location inside opening 36 to a position outside of hair fastener 30.Hair extension connectors 32 and 34 are preferably thin, flexible,strong and moveable with respect to hair fastener 30. Hair extensionconnectors 32 and 34 may comprise synthetic or natural materials, andare preferably in the form of fibers, threads, or strings. Hairextension connectors 32 and 34 are preferably strong enough to withstandthe weight of hair extensions 22 and 24 while still remaining flexibleto give hair extensions 22 and 24 a free-flowing and natural appearance.In the embodiment of hair extension assembly 20 of FIG. 1, each hairextension connector 32 and 34 is moveable around the length axis (z) ofthe hair fastener 30 in circumferential direction C around the entireperimeter of hair fastener 30.

Hair fastener 30 may have shapes other than cylinders. In one example,shown in FIGS. 1 f and 1 g, a partially-cylindrical hair fastener 30defining a U-shaped cross-section is used. As shown in the figures, hairfastener 30 has a first end 35 and a second end 37 which lie in a commonplane P that is perpendicular to length axis L. A portion of hairextension connector 32 lies in plane P and is movable from first end 35to second end 37. Partially-cylindrical hair fastener 30 may also haveretaining features for preventing hair connector 30 from sliding off ofhair fastener 30.

In FIG. 1 a, the hair extensions 22 and 24 are spaced apart from hairfastener 30 in both the lengthwise (z-axis) direction of fastener 30 andin a direction perpendicular to the lengthwise direction. This is howthe assembly 20 might appear laid out on a table. However, in certainembodiments, if fastener 30 is picked up and held in the air, the hairextensions 22, 24 will fall downward and toward the z-axis, in whichcase extensions 22 and 24 will be spaced apart from the fastener 30 inthe z-axis direction, but not necessarily in a direction perpendicularto it. In an attached condition, the hair extension assemblies 20 willbe attached to the wearer's head at the hair fastener 30 and willotherwise generally hang downward such that the hair extensions 22 and24 will be spaced apart from the hair fastener 30 along the z-axisdirection and/or in a direction away from the z-axis direction. In anattached condition, hair extensions 22, 24 will not be crimped withinthe fastener 30 and only a small section of the wearer's actual hairwill be crimped within fastener 30 next to any material of the connectoron the interior of fastener 30.

As shown in FIG. 1 a, hair extension 22 has a first end 26 a and asecond end 26 b. First end 26 a is generally formed into a tip byclosely aggregating individual hairs and binding them together, such asby using an adhesive or mechanical fastener (like a small band orthread). In certain embodiments, an adhesive is further used to attachfirst end 26 a to hair extension connector 32. Second end 26 b of hairextension 22 is not formed into a tip and the individual hairscomprising second end 26 b are not attached to one another, giving theextension 22 a free flowing and natural appearance. Correspondingly,first end 28 a of hair extension 24 is formed into a tip by closelyaggregating and binding individual hairs together. Second end 28 b isnot formed into a tip and the individual hairs comprising second end 28b are not attached to one another. In preferred embodiments, abiocompatible adhesive is used to form the first ends 26 a and 26 b ofhair extensions 22 and 24 into tips. Suitable examples of abiocompatible adhesive are those comprising a keratin protein.Commercially available examples of such adhesives include hot meltkeratin glues supplied under the trade names BLS-9093 to BLS-9097 byBalice Hair of Yiwu City, China. The adhesives are preferably selectedto avoid ingredients that may lead to scalp irritation.

Referring to FIGS. 1 b and 1 c, in certain preferred implementations,hair extension connector 32 has a cross-sectional area, (π/4)D₁ ² (FIG.1 b) that is less than the cross-sectional area of the first end 26 a ofhair extension 22, (π/4)D₂ ² (FIG. 1 c). This difference incross-sectional area allows the opening 36 of hair fastener 30 toaccommodate a greater amount of the wearer's hair than would be possibleif first end 26 a of hair extensions 22 were disposed in opening 36 andcrimped with the wearer's hair, as is the case in certain knownassemblies. Thus, fastener 30 need not be sized to account for theretention of hair extensions 22, 24 within the opening of fastener 30.The relative cross-sectional areas of hair extension connector 34 andfirst end 28 a of hair extension 24 may be configured similarly.

The cross-sections of hair extension connector 32 and/or first end 26 aof hair extension 22 need not be circular and may other regular orirregular shapes. In certain examples, hair extension connector 32 willhave a maximum dimension when viewed in cross-section (e.g., a maximumlinear distance from one portion of the cross-section to another) whichwill be less than a maximum dimension of first end 26 a of hairextension 22 when first end 26 a is viewed in cross-section. Forexample, FIG. 1 d depicts an irregularly shaped cross-section of hairextension connector 32, and FIG. 1 e depicts a generally rectangularcross-section for first end 26 a of hair extension 22. The maximumdimension of the cross-section of hair extension connector 32 in FIG. 1d is X. The maximum dimension of the cross-section of first end 26 a ofhair extension 22 in FIG. 1 e is Z. As FIGS. 1 d and 1 e indicate, thelength X is less than that of diagonal Z. In additional embodiments, themaximum cross-sectional dimension of hair extension connector 32 may beless than the minimum cross-sectional dimension of first end 26 a ofhair extension 22, in which case X would be less than W.

Hair extensions 22 and 24 have more degrees of freedom relative to hairfastener 30 than in many known hair extension assemblies. Prior tocrimping, the extensions 22 and 24 may be manipulated in a number ofdirections and orientations relative to hair fastener 30 while stillbeing connected to it via their respective hair extension connectors 32and 34. For example, the hair extensions 22 and 24 may be placedtogether or apart along the perimeter of the hair fastener 30. Inaddition, the first ends 26 a and 28 a may be placed in abuttingengagement with the hair fastener 30 or spaced apart from it by amaximum distance dictated by the dimensions and flexibility of hairextension connectors 32 and 34. However, as mentioned previously, innormal use the extensions 22 and 24 will simply hang freely from thehair fastener 30 such that the first ends 26 a and 26 b will be spacedapart from it in the z-axis direction and/or in a direction away fromthe z-axis. The particular orientation of the spacing between the firstends 26 a and 26 b will depend on the location of placement of hairextension assembly 20 on the wearer's head, the length of the hairbetween the wearer's scalp and the hair fastener 30, and the curvatureof the wearer's head.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1 a, hair fastener 30 is generally rigid butis plastically deformable through the application of force in its radial(perpendicular to the z-axis) direction. In certain implementations, athreshold deformation force generated by mechanical assistance isrequired. Tools for providing such mechanical assistance include pliers,vice grips, or other devices that can apply a compressive force in theradial direction of hair fastener 30. The deformable nature of hairfastener 30 facilitates its secure attachment to human hair threadedthrough opening 36. Suitable materials of construction for hair fastener30 include aluminum, and copper. Hair fastener 30 preferably has a colorthat is selected to match the wearer's hair and/or that of hairextensions 22 and/or 24. The dimensions of hair fastener 30 and itsopening 36 are also preferably configured to facilitate deformation.Suitable hair fasteners 30 include aluminum micro-rings supplied underthe trade names BLS-9030 to BLS-9049 by Balice Hair.

In certain implementations, it is desirable to provide a material on theinner surface of hair fastener 30 which is biocompatible with humanhair. As best seen in FIG. 3, in certain examples, hair fastener 30includes an inner surface material 38. Inner surface material 38 may beformed from a variety of materials, but is preferably a biocompatiblepolymeric material. Suitable examples include silicone polymers. Incertain examples, the inner surface is coated with inner surfacematerial. In other examples, an insert is preformed and is inserted intothe opening 36 of fastener. Suitable micro-rings with silicone insertlinings are commercially available and include those sold under thetrade names BLS-9060 to BLS-9063 by Balice Hair.

In FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, hair extension assembly 20 is shown with hairextension 24 and its corresponding hair extension connector 34 removedin order to better illustrate the degrees of freedom of the hairextensions 22 and 24. As shown in the figures, while hair extensionconnector 32 is at a fixed position around the perimeter of hairfastener 30, the entire length of hair extension 22 is moveable from afirst position (FIG. 2 a) in which the entire length of extension 22(including first end 26 a which is the end most proximate hair fastener30) is generally parallel to the length axis (z-axis) of hair fastener30 to a second position (FIG. 2 b) in which the entire length ofextension 22 (including first end 26 a) is oriented oppositely but stillgenerally parallel to the length axis (z-axis) of hair fastener 30. Thisdegree of movability is made possible by the hair extension connector32. Hair extension connector 32 attaches hair extension 22 to hairfastener 30, while still allowing hair extension 22 to remain outsidethe interior of hair fastener 30 and, preferably, spaced apart from hairfastener 30. In the preferred embodiment, some movability is preservedeven after the hair extension assembly 20 is attached to the wearer'shair to achieve a natural movement. In known hair extension designs, thefirst end 26 a of hair extension 22 is disposed in a connecting ringalong with the wearer's actual hair and the ring is then crimped. As aresult, part of the hair extension is fixedly attached to the wearer'shair and unable to move freely with respect to the connecting ring. Hairextension assembly 20 overcomes this drawback. Even when hair extensionassembly 20 is in an attached configuration on a wearer's head, theentire lengths of both hair extensions 22 and 24 are free to naturallymove with the motion of the head.

To facilitate the application of hair extension assemblies 20 to awearer's head, a plurality of such assemblies 20 may be provided as akit. In a kit configuration, each hair extension assembly 20 is separatefrom and disconnected from the other hair extension assemblies. Incertain examples, a common color will be used for all of the hairextensions 22 and 24 in a kit. Similarly, a common color may be used forall of the hair fasteners 30 and/or all of the hair extension connectors32 and 43 in a kit. The kit may alternatively provide differing lengths,colors, textures, and/or styles in one kit to be applied around the headto achieve a specifically designed look.

Hair extension assembly 20 may include one or more hair extensions 22,24. Because the hair extension connector 32 is thin, the amount of hairextension strands that can be used in association with a single fasteneris not limited by the need to fit the hair extension strands within theinner diameter of the fastener. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, twoextensions 22 and 24 are provided. Additional hair extensions may alsobe provided. In one example, hair extension assembly 20 may be providedwith three (3) hair extensions. However, in certain preferredimplementations, the number of hair extensions in a single hairextension assembly 20 will be limited to two in order to avoid excessivegravitational pulling force on the wearer's actual hair.

A method of making the hair extension assembly of FIG. 1 will now bedescribed with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 8 and FIGS. 4-5.Referring first to FIG. 8, a hair fastener 30 of the type describedpreviously is provided (step 1002). A hair extension connector 32 isprovided in an unlooped configuration and is threaded through opening 36in hair fastener 30 so that hair extension connector 32 is axiallydisposed on the hair extension connector 32 between first hair extensionconnector section 40 a and second hair extension connector section 40 b(step 1004). The first and second sections 40 a and 40 b are then loopedand joined together at a location 44, such as by tying a knot (step1006). Excess length of the hair extension connector material may thenbe cut and discarded.

In step 1008, first end 26 a of hair extension 22 is attached to hairextension connector 32 proximate location 44 where first and second hairextension connector sections 40 a and 40 b are joined. In oneimplementation, strands of hair used to form first end 26 a of hairextension 22 are aggregated in a generally flat configuration and coatedwith an adhesive of the type described previously, such as a hot meltkeratin glue. The coated hair strands are then rolled around hairextension connector 32 to form tip 26 a. One exemplary method ofperforming step 1008 is depicted in FIG. 5. As shown in the figure, afastener retainer 48 (such as a pin or a needle) is secured to a supportobject 50 (such as a pin cushion). Hair fastener 30 is then disposed onfastener retainer 48 so that the retainer 48 projects through opening 36in hair fastener 30. Adhesive-covered fibers used to form first end 26 aof hair extension 22 are then rolled around hair extension connector 32to form a tip. Alternative methods of securing the hair extensionstrands to the connector may be advantageous to increase speed ofmanufacture and/or costs. For example, a preferred method includes theuse of multiple fastening rings placed in a slidable position along arigid wire with the connector looped through the fastening rings andknotted, whereby groupings of hair strands are repeatedly secured to theloops using an adhesive and completed assemblies can be pushed down thewire.

Returning to FIG. 8, in step 1010 it is determined whether additionalhair extensions are to be added. For example, to construct the hairextension assembly 20 of FIG. 1, the process would be repeated byreturning to step 1002 and attaching hair extension connector 34 to hairfastener 30 in the same manner described previously for hair extensionconnector 32 and then repeating steps 1004 to 1006. In the method ofFIG. 8, hair extension 22 is attached to hair extension connector 32before second hair extension connector 34 is attached to hair fastener30. However, other sequences may be used. As illustrated in FIG. 4,second hair extension connector 34 may be attached to hair fastener 30before attaching first hair extension 22 to first hair extensionconnector 32.

A method of applying hair extension assembly 20 to a wearer's hair willnow be described with reference to FIG. 6. Application tool 52 isprovided and is a generally elongated tool with a handle section 54 anda hair engagement section 56. Handle section 54 is preferably rigid andis configured to be gripped by a single hand. Handle 54 may be formedfrom a variety of materials, including wood, metal, polymeric resins,composites of polymeric resins and additives/fillers, etc. Handle 54 mayalso include surface features such as grooves, ridges, indentations, andthe like to facilitate gripping.

Engagement section 56 preferably includes a thin, elongated rigid shaft57. Tip 58 is preferably configured to facilitate engagement with aperson's hair. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, tip 58 is formed as a hook.A gripping latch 60 may also be provided to facilitate engagement of thewearer's hair with the elongated shaft 57. Gripping latch 60 has a firstend connected to the elongated shaft 57 and a second, free end. Grippinglatch 60 is pivotable about its point of connection to the elongatedshaft 57, and preferably pivots in a direction toward shaft tip 58 andthe shaft 57.

In accordance with the method, hair extension assembly 20 is provided,and a stylist grips handle 54 of application tool 52. Application tooltip 58 is then pushed through opening 36 of hair fastener 30 untilreaching the position shown in FIG. 6.

With the application tool 52 positioned as shown in FIG. 6, the stylistuses tip 58 and gripping latch 60 to grip several strands of thewearer's hair. Once gripped, the strands of the wearer's air are pulledback through the opening 36 in hair fastener 30 as shown in FIG. 7.During this step, gripping latch 60 engages hair fastener 30 as latch 60is pulled backward through the opening 36 of hair fastener 30, causingthe latch 60 to pivot toward a position parallel to the elongated shaft57. Hair fastener 30 is adjusted to a desired location along the lengthof the hair strands that have now been pulled through it. A compressiveforce is applied to hair fastener 30 to secure it to the wearer's hairstrands projecting through opening 36. The compressive force ispreferably applied with mechanical assistance such as through the use ofconventional hand tools. Pliers are preferred. Other tools, such asvise-grips may also be used. The stylist then repeats the process untilthe desired number of hair extension assemblies 20 have been applied toselected locations on the wearer's actual hair.

Once the hair extension assembly 20 is applied, extensions 22 and 24remain moveable with respect to the now-crimped hair fastener 30. Forexample, their first ends 26 a and 28 a may be moved from one positionin which they are in abutting engagement with hair fastener 30 or spacedapart from the hair fastener 30 in a direction perpendicular to thelength axis (z-axis). First ends 26 a and 28 b may also be spaced apartfrom the hair fastener 30 in a direction parallel to the length(z-axis). However, during normal as applied to a wearer's head, theextensions 22 and 24 will hang freely with the first ends 26 a and 26 bspaced apart from the length (z-axis) in a direction that is parallel tothe length (z-axis) and/or in a direction away from the length (z-axis).

With the hair extension assemblies 20 in place on the wearer's head, thewearer can shower, bathe, shampoo, condition, brush and/or blow dry heractual hair as well as the hair extensions 22, 24. After having beenworn for a desired length of time, the hair extension assemblies 20 canbe removed from the wearer's head. For example, if deformable rings,such as aluminum micro-rings, are used to form hair fastener 30, thefastener 30 can again be deformed to allow the hair fastener 30 to beremoved from the wearer's actual hair. In one example, a compressiveforce is applied to fastener causing the opening 36 (which has sincebeen somewhat flattened) to expand and facilitate removal of thefastener 30. With care, the ring can be decrimped and re-used.

Hair extension assembly 20 provides several advantages over many knownhair extensions, some of which have been described above. For example,in many known configurations, the amount of hair extension strands thatcan be connected to a given hair fastener is limited because the ringmust accommodate the wearer's actual hair and all of the hair extensionstrands being applied within the opening of the fastener. However, asshown in FIG. 1, hair extension assembly 20 readily accommodates agreater amount of hair extension strands including multiple hairextensions. Hair extension assembly 20 allows a wearer to attach morehair extension strands in less space and with fewer rings. The fewernumber of rings, along with the pre-assembly of the pieces, makesapplication easier. Comfort is also enhanced by the reduction in thenumber of required rings (and other material used to achieve theattachment of the hair extension strands). A reduction in the number ofattachments and/or smaller size of the fasteners provides an integratedand natural appearance, which is especially beneficial for people withthinner hair where the excessive numbers of rings tended to be needed toachieve the desired fullness or style can lead to discomfort and anunattractive visibility of the hair extension ring. The ability toreduce the number of hair fasteners 30 also can be less damaging to thehair. The lack of adhesive or glue in close contact with the wearer'sactual hair provides a substantial benefit.

Also, because hair extensions 22 and 24 are connected to hair fastener30 via hair extension connectors 32, 34 the hair extensions 22 and 24may be more readily re-used than with many conventional hair extensionsbecause the hair extensions 22, 24 are not crimped in hair fasteners 30.As a result, the extensions 22, 24 can readily be separated from hairextension assembly 20 for subsequent re-use, such as by cutting hairextension connectors 32 and 34.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presentedfor purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended tobe exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed.Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteachings, with modifications and variations suited to the particularuse contemplated.

1. A hair extension assembly comprising: At least one hair extensioncomprising a plurality of hair strands, wherein the at least one hairextension has a first end; a hair fastener having a first end, a secondend, and a length defining a length axis; at least one hair extensionconnector, wherein the at least one hair extension first end isconnected to the at least one hair extension connector, the at least onehair extension connector is connected to the hair fastener, and theentire length of the at least one hair extension is moveable from afirst orientation parallel to the hair fastener length axis in which thehair fastener first end is between the at least one hair extension firstend and the hair fastener second end in the length axis direction, to asecond orientation parallel to the hair fastener length axis in whichthe hair fastener second end is between the at least one hair extensionfirst end and the hair fastener first end in the length axis direction.2. The hair extension assembly of claim 1, wherein the first end of theat least one hair extension defines a tip.
 3. The hair extensionassembly of claim 1, wherein the first end of the at least one hairextension is movable from a first position abutting the hair fastener toa second position spaced apart from the hair fastener in a directionperpendicular to the hair fastener length axis.
 4. The hair extensionassembly of claim 1, wherein the hair extension connector is connectedto the hair fastener at a connection location along the hair fastenerperimeter and is selectively moveable with respect to the hair fastenerto vary the connection location around the perimeter of the hairfastener.
 5. The hair extension assembly of claim 1, wherein a portionof the at least one hair extension is movable in a plane perpendicularto the length axis of the hair fastener.
 6. The hair extension assemblyof claim 1, wherein the hair fastener first end lies in a planeperpendicular to the hair fastener length axis and the hair fastenersecond end lies in the plane, and a portion of the at least one hairextension connector is movable from the first end of the hair fastenerlying in the plane to the second end of the hair fastener lying in theplane.
 7. The hair extension assembly of claim 1, wherein the hairfastener includes an opening along its length.
 8. The hair extensionassembly of claim 7, wherein the at least one hair extension connectorcomprises a loop through the hair fastener opening.
 9. The hairextension assembly of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the hairextension connector is moveable to a position below the hair fastener.10. The hair extension assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least onehair extension connector comprises a nylon material.
 11. The hairextension assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one hair extensioncomprises two hair extensions and the at least one hair extensionconnector comprises two hair extension connectors.
 12. A hair extensionkit, comprising a plurality of the hair extension assemblies of claim 1,wherein the hair extension assemblies are not connected to one another.13. A method of applying hair extensions to a person's hair, comprising:providing the hair extension assembly of claim 1; securing the hairfastener to the person's hair such that the first end of the at leastone hair extension is spaced apart from the hair fastener.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the hair fastener includes an opening alongits length, and the step of securing the hair fastener to the person'shair comprises threading the person's hair through the opening of thehair fastener and crimping the hair fastener to the person's hair suchthat the first end of the at least one hair extension is spaced apartfrom the opening of the hair fastener.
 15. A hair extension assembly,comprising: a single hair fastener; a plurality of hair extensionsconnected to the single hair fastener, wherein each hair extension inthe plurality of hair extensions has a first end and a second end, andeach hair extension first end is connected to the single hair fastenerat a connection location along the perimeter of the hair fastener and isselectively movable with respect to the single hair fastener to vary theconnection location around the perimeter of the single hair fastener.16. The hair extension assembly of claim 15, wherein the first ends ofeach of the hair extensions in the plurality of hair extensions definesa corresponding tip.
 17. The hair extension assembly of claim 15,further comprising a plurality of hair extension connectors, whereineach hair extension first end in the plurality of hair extensions isconnected to a corresponding hair extension connector from among theplurality of hair extension connectors, and each hair extensionconnector is connected to the single hair fastener.
 18. The hairextension assembly of claim 17, wherein the plurality of hair extensionconnectors are loops.
 19. The hair extension assembly of claim 15,further comprising a plurality of hair extension connectors, wherein thesingle hair fastener includes an opening, each hair extension first endin the plurality of hair extensions is connected to a corresponding hairextension connector from among the plurality of hair extensionconnectors, and each hair extension connector is threaded through thehair fastener opening.
 20. (canceled)
 21. A hair extension assembly,comprising: at least one hair extension; a hair fastener having a firstend, a second end, a length and an opening along the length; at leastone hair extension connector having a first end and a second end,wherein a first end of the at least one hair extension is directlyconnected to the first end of the at least one hair extension connectorand a second end of the at least one hair extension connector, the atleast one hair extension connector extends through the opening of thehair fastener to define a loop such that the hair fastener is movablealong the loop from the first end of the at least one hair extensionconnector to the second end of the at least one hair extensionconnector, the at least one hair extension first end defines across-sectional area, the at least one hair extension connector has across-sectional area, and the cross-sectional area of the first end ofthe at least one hair extension is greater than the cross-sectional areaof the at least one hair extension connector.
 22. The hair extensionassembly of claim 21, wherein the at least one hair extension first endhas a maximum cross-sectional dimension, the hair extension connectorhas a maximum cross-sectional dimension, and at least one the hairextension connector maximum cross-sectional dimension is less than theat least one hair extension first end maximum cross-sectional dimension.23. The hair extension assembly of claim 21, wherein the at least onehair extension connector is a loop that encircles the length of the hairfastener.
 24. The hair extension assembly of claim 21, wherein the hairfastener comprises a cylinder.
 25. The hair extension assembly of claim21, wherein the at least one hair extension connector comprises a nylonmaterial.
 26. The hair extension assembly of claim 21, wherein the atleast one hair extension is two hair extensions and the at least onehair extension connector is two hair extension connectors.
 27. A methodof making a hair extension assembly, comprising: providing a hairfastener having an opening; providing a hair extension connector havinga first portion and a second portion; threading the hair extensionconnector through the hair fastener opening such that the hair fasteneris disposed between the first and second portions of the hair extensionconnector; connecting the first and second portions of the hairextension connector at a location spaced apart from the hair fastenersuch that the hair extension connector defines a single loop; attachinga first end of a hair extension to the hair extension connectorproximate the location spaced apart from the fastener.
 28. The method ofclaim 27, wherein the hair extension connector is a first hair extensionconnector, the hair extension is a first hair extension, and the methodfurther comprises: providing a second hair extension connector having afirst portion and a second portion; threading the second hair extensionconnector through the hair fastener opening such that the hair fasteneris disposed between the first portion and the second portion; connectingthe first and second portions of the second hair extension connector;and attaching a first end of a second hair extension to the second hairextension connector.
 29. The method of claim 27, wherein the step ofattaching a first end of a hair extension to the hair extensionconnector comprises: providing a plurality of hair extension strandssuch that the plurality of hair extension strands defines the first endof the hair extension and a second end of the hair extension; andforming the plurality of hair extension strands into a tip at the firstend of the hair extension.
 30. The hair extension assembly of claim 1,wherein the hair fastener has an opening extending along the hairfastener length, the at least one hair extension connector has a firstend and a second end and extends through the hair fastener opening, andthe first and second ends of the at least one hair extension connectorare connected to the first end of the at least one hair extension suchthat the at least one hair extension connector defines a single loopextending from the first end of the at least one hair extensionconnector to the second end of the at least one hair extensionconnector.
 31. The hair extension assembly of claim 1, wherein the hairfastener has an inner surface comprising a silicone polymer.
 32. Thehair extension assembly of claim 15, wherein the hair fastener has aninner surface comprising a silicone polymer.
 33. The hair extensionassembly of claim 17, wherein each hair extension connector has a firstend and a second end, the single hair fastener has a length defining alength axis, a first end and a second end, and each hair extension ismovable from a first orientation parallel to the hair fastener lengthaxis in which the hair fastener first end is between the at least onehair extension first end and the hair fastener second end in the lengthaxis direction, to a second orientation parallel to the hair fastenerlength axis in which the hair fastener second end is between the atleast one hair extension first end and the hair fastener second end inthe length axis direction.